2023 FREE Street Tree Replanting Program

With budget approval in June of 2023, the City will have another round of the Free Street Tree Replanting Program in Fall/ Winter. If you would like to be added to the list for this program, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Those who applied last year and did not receive trees have already been added to the list for the 2023 Program.*

*(Residence must have tree lawn between the sidewalk and curb and have a space for the new tree(s) which is free of utilities, stumps, and large tree roots.) 

We expect West Linn City Council to allocate funds for a 2023 Street Tree replacement program this planting season (November 2023 - March 2024) when the budget is passed in June 2023.  By Municipal City Code, 8.500 Community Tree Ordinance  street trees are required and the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.  Under the current FREE Street Tree Replacement Program, 250 free street trees have been ordered, will be distributed by the city, planted by a contractor and watered, as necessary, by the property owner. This Street Tree Replacement Program has been funded by the City of West Linn to replace the urban forest canopy lost to the ice storm in 2021 and to replace other street trees missing from the community. Please review the following FAQs and complete the form below if you would like to be considered for the 2023 Street Tree Replacement Program. 

**Requests will be reviewed by staff and trees will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a street tree?
A street tree is a tree that is planted in the public right-of-way, usually between the sidewalk and the curb.

Why are you replanting street trees?
Trees provide essential services for all.  Street trees provide shade, cooling, reduced air and noise pollution, storm water absorption, more walkable neighborhoods, slower traffic speeds, stress reduction, increased property values and added beauty. 

What is included with the program?
The program includes the purchase and planting of the desired number of street trees that meet city code.  Stump grinding, irrigation repair, sidewalk repair, or any other service is not included.

Can anyone receive a free street tree?
Property owners whose property does not meet current city code (2 trees per lot or 4 trees per corner lot)  and is in the city of West Linn can receive street trees. Requests will be reviewed by staff and trees will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis. The standard for street trees is 2 per lot or 4 per corner lot.  Unique situations will be handled on an individual basis. The program is designed for areas that are already part of the street tree program and locations missing street trees. The program is for residential property only and does not include trees for any business, Home Owners Associations or any new development in the city.

Should I have old stumps ground and/or removed? 
It is recommended that you have old stumps in the planting strip ground to a depth of 24 inches. The exact planting location in the planting strip will be determined by the existing conditions of the planting strip, and the tree may not be located in the exact location where they were planted previously.

What if I have irrigation in my planter strip?
If you have irrigation in the planter strip it is the owners' responsibility to mark water lines and heads prior to the planting of the tree(s). The City will not be responsible for any damage to irrigation systems in the planting strip.

When will the tree be planted?
Trees will be planted between November 2023 and March 2024.

Who pays for this?
This project is funded by the City of West Linn utilizing funds that came to the city from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act.

How many trees will I receive?
Typically, 2 trees are planted per lot or 4 per corner lot.

What kind of tree will be planted?
Tree species were chosen by City Arborist and staff and will be appropriate for the right-of-way site. Trees are selected to be low maintenance and drought tolerant, maximizing the benefits trees provide to the neighborhood while minimizing conflicts with existing infrastructure. 

Who will be planting the tree?
Trees will be planted by professional contractors on behalf of the City of West Linn.

Who will take care of the trees?
Property owners will water, weed, and maintain the trees after planting.

What if the tree damages my utilities or sidewalks?
Trees are selected to be the appropriate size and species for the available space. This program operates in compliance with approved street trees in the city  and planting specifications to reduce potential infrastructure damage. Different tree species are approved for different site sizes. Utility locates, as needed, are completed prior to planting. 

The adjacent property owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk at their property.

A homeowner using a hose to water a tree after planting.

What happens if the tree dies?
If the tree dies it can be removed and replaced at the owners' expense.  Under City Code the adjacent property owner is responsible for getting a permit to remove and replant the tree.

What can I do if I have questions?
Connect with  Luke Borland at lborland@westlinnoregon.gov or 503-722-4736.

Can I have a tree planted in my yard?
This project is focused on planting trees in the public right-of-way only.

If you desire to participate in a future FREE Street Tree Program please complete the application below.